Transformation: The Department of Veteran Affairs Healing Environment Design Guideline

In this free webinar from the Illinois ACEs Response Collaborative, architect Paul Alt, AIA and psychologist Jim Munroe, Ed.D will describe their work on the Department of Veteran Affairs Healing Environment Design Guideline (VAHEDG). This unprecedented criterion will be utilized for the design and construction of all VA Medical Centers, outpatient clinics, and long-term living facilities intended for the healing of the mind, body, and spirit of more than nine million veterans and their families. The facilities, created with input from consultants and subject matter experts, as well as veterans themselves, will be comprised of therapeutic environments, creating a "Mental Health Infrastructure" conducive to behavioral health and well-being for a patient's healing journey.

Dr. Munroe will describe how he utilized the Vietnam Memorial Wall for group therapy for Vietnam Combat Veterans and will discuss utilizing some of the specific design features to enhance the healing process. Mr. Alt will address the evolution of the VAHEDG related to his work with youth in public schools, veteran centers, and a master plan for a healing environment at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Washington, DC.

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